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This transfer window has definitely been the most active one in the red half of Manchester since the summer of 2008 when the wily old Scotsman, Sir Alex Ferguson, spent a bomb to bring the Bulgarian Dimitar Berbatov from White Hart Lane to Old Trafford. There weren’t many who thought this to be anything different though, especially given the way the Red Devils surrendered their title to their bitter-most rivals Manchester City in effectively the final minute of last season. When Fergie claimed he would knock Liverpool off their perch, he had a plan in mind. The reshuffle of the club’s coaching and scouting system coupled with clever signings set them on their path to become the most successful team in England. A couple of decades since then, Ferguson’s United are being challenged by a new force. And if I daresay a stronger one than what Liverpool were in the 1990s.
The transfers made this summer were once again in strict accordance with United’s policy to buy young talent with high re-sale value. As much I as am convinced of young Nick Powell’s ability and talent, I am not sure as to what extent the former Crewe starlet would be involved in the first team this season. One for the future, most definitely. But when the gaffer went and broke the bank for a 29 year old, it wasn’t with an eye on the future but to seek immediate results. Robin Van Persie, despite missing a penalty trying to be extra clever against the Saints last weekend, pumped in a hat trick helping United to their first win on the road this season. Arsenal’s new villain (Nasri would be relieved) in the city of Manchester cut himself a sorry frame when he was brought on in the final minutes against Everton at Goodison Park. Fergie blamed the midfield for failing to get the best out of Van Persie and ever since, the Dutchman has found the net four times in two matches.
Frankly, the departures this season has been equally interesting as much as the ones who arrived at the Theater of Dreams. When South Korean Ji Sung Park left for Queens Park Rangers, he took with himself the negativity that surrounded United’s play when up against supposedly ‘superior’ sides. How often has Park been used just to keep a lid on a full back or a central midfielder for the past three years? Is his departure a direct signal to the club’s shift in mentality? Does that mark the onset of a bolder (err, not so sure about the beautiful part) Manchester United?
From what we have seen so far this season, United will be largely playing a 4-4-1-1 formation with the withdrawn striker/playmaker falling deep to help the midfield. Wayne Rooney, for the very first time in a long time, would have to fight to earn his place in the United line up after picking up an injury against Fulham a couple of weeks back.
In this article, I would be discussing the 4-4-1-1 which seems to be the default formation for the Red Devils this season.
United will most likely employ a typical 4-4-1-1 where Kagawa would play in the hole behind the main striker Robin Van Persie and look to thread passes to him every time has the ball. Nani and Valencia would, in all honesty, have a better target to aim at as compared to Wayne Rooney given Van Persie’s sublime finishing skills. The volley from Evra’s cross against Fulham was picturesque. Carrick would sit in front of the center halves and control the tempo of the game as well break up the game as effectively as he normally does. Full backs Rafael and Evra would surge ahead every time United have possession, providing ample support for the wingers. Kagawa will try and find himself in little pockets even at the extent of dropping as deep as his own half and keep the passing ticking. The Japanese does have quick feet and has already shown his ability to thread in passes for the strikers to score. And with plenty of supply from the wings and the middle, Robin Van Persie would enjoy playing in this side. Alex Song turned creator at the Emirates last season so often providing telling passes for his Dutch captain to score and it wouldn’t be surprising if the gaffer asks Carrick to try and do the same often.
In my opinion, this should be the most frequently used formation by United during the course of the season for primarily two reasons:
Positioning while on attack
1. This would get the best out of their new talismanic goalscorer Robin Van Persie given he enjoys playing upfront by himself. And with that midfield behind him, he would have chances aplenty to turn them into goals.
2. This also provides the United midfield much needed defensive stability as Kagawa can drop back and help in winning back the possession. Wayne Rooney can seamlessly fit into that role as well and perhaps prove to be a better option given the Englishman’s vision and work ethic.
This season would definitely be the breakthrough seasons for the likes of Tom Cleverley as I do find immense potential in the youngster. The way he shapes up for a volley from just outside the area is akin to a young Paul Scholes; the United legend has had a strong influence in the player’s style which is clearly evident from the way he passes the ball to the way he shields it. With Carrick, Cleverley and a tucked in Kagawa, that midfield can be a strong screen to get through for most opposition. Surprisingly, the major threat to our goal has come from set pieces which are largely due to Rafael and Evra’s lack of aerial supremacy and De Gea’s poor commanding skills inside the penalty area. Moussa Dembele had a field day against United making easy runs but I would not be too bothered by it given our best midfielder was playing in the center of defense. The amount of dirty work that Michael Carrick does, without getting his shorts dirty of course, is terrific and goes largely unnoticed.
Positioning while defending
Having seen and said, I sincerely believe that 4-4-1-1 could be the start of something very promising for the club. Club captain Nemanja Vidic is almost like a fresh signing and it wouldn’t take him long to get back to his usual assured self in the heart of the defense. Could this be the beginning of the end of the much famed 4-4-2 at Old Trafford?
Your suggestions and views are welcome.
